Symptoms

Chest pain is a common symptom. It may start over the left side or center of the chest and spread to the neck and left shoulder. The pain is usually a sharp, stabbing pain that may be worse with deep breathing or lying down.

Other symptoms may include:

Shortness of breath

Coughing

Fever and chills

Pain when swallowing

Weakness and fatigue

Irritability

Loss of appetite

Irregular heartbeat

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will listen for a grating or rubbing sound in your child’s heart. If the condition is severe, there may also be a crackle sound in your child’s lungs.

Images may be taken to evaluate the heart and surrounding tissue. This can be done with:

Your child's heart activity may be tested. This can be done with an
electrocardiogram
(EKG).

Your child's bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:

Blood tests

Pericardiocentesis

Treatment

The illness can range from mild to life-threatening. Acute inflammatory pericarditis usually improves with treatment within a few weeks or months. Pericarditis caused by chronic inflammatory diseases, like lupus or
rheumatoid arthritis
, may last longer or occur again.

Treatment options include:

Medication

The doctor may recommend medication to:

Decrease inflammation

Manage pain—may be over-the-counter or prescription medication depending on the degree of pain

Antibiotics may be given if the pericarditis is associated with a bacterial infection.

Procedures

For severe pericarditis, your child may need:

Pericardiocentesis—fluid around the heart is removed with a needle

Pericadiectomy—the sac around the heart is removed—rarely done

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent pericarditis.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.